Best Things to Do in Los Angeles — Concerts, Beaches & Hidden Gems

May 2026

Skip the tourist traps. The real LA happens in Echo Park, Highland Park, and the canyons — here's how to find it.

Live Music Across LA

The Greek Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, The Forum, Crypto.com Arena — these are the big stages. But the soul of LA music is at Lodge Room in Highland Park, The Echo, The Roxy, Troubadour and the Hollywood Palladium. Tickets $25–60. The Bowl's summer season (June–September) is non-negotiable if you're visiting.

Beach Day, Then Show

Spend the day at El Matador in Malibu, then dinner in Venice, then a show downtown — the classic LA day. Beach parking apps like SpotHero save 20 minutes circling the lot.

Comedy Clubs

LA has the deepest comedy scene in America. Largo at the Coronet, The Comedy Store, Improv Hollywood, Dynasty Typewriter. Sets start $10–25. Stand-ups frequently drop in unannounced — the magic of LA is that you might see a Netflix-special headliner doing 15 minutes for $15 on a Tuesday.

Day Trips

Joshua Tree (2.5 hrs), Big Bear (2 hrs), Santa Barbara (1.5 hrs), Catalina Island (1 hr by ferry) — all reachable for a weekend. Plan a trip around any LA event you're going to with the NearEvent planner.

Festivals 2026

Coachella (April, Indio), Stagecoach (April, country), FYF Fest, Day N Vegas — all within 2 hours of LA. The festival season is your single best reason to plan a long weekend here.